During your divorce, you and your ex-partner should have created a parenting plan. In the plan, you both would have agreed on your time-share and holiday schedules.
6 Tips to Reduce the Stress of Co-parenting During the Holidays
Navigating the holidays after a divorce can be difficult, especially when children are involved. Instead of looking forward to the holidays, you might be worried about how the holidays will look this year.
While the holidays can be both joyful and stressful all the time, there are ways you can reduce any anxiety you may be feeling. You can make co-parenting easier during the holidays if you:
- Review the holiday schedule with your ex-partner. Sticking to your schedule is important and making sure you both remember what you agreed on is equally important. The less confusion there is, the better things will go.
- Remain flexible. Even though you have a plan, life happens. You can’t prepare for unknown curveballs. Also, as your children grow, their needs and holiday schedules can change. So, it’s important to account for those possible changes.
- Prioritize your kids. You both care about your kids and want them to have an amazing time during the holidays. Consider how the schedule and your actions may affect them.
- Prepare your kids. Whether it’s the first holiday that looks different or a subsequent one, your kids will need to be emotionally and mentally prepared. You and your ex-partner should take time to talk with them and remind them the holidays will look different. And that while the holidays are different, you still love them and are still a family.
- Coordinate with your ex regarding gifts. Discussing a budget and what you plan to get the kids can eliminate a lot of stress. You won’t have to worry about duplicate gifts, and a budget will stop either party from feeling like the other is trying to “buy” the kids’ love.
- Take care of yourself. Self-care is important. You can’t pour from an empty cup. To make sure you can show up for your kids and enjoy the holidays as well, you should check in with and treat yourself from time to time.
At the Law Office of Greg Quimby, P.C., we know how important family is, which is why we fight so hard for our clients. We hope your holidays are full of more joy and love than anything else. Please reach out to our office at (719) 212-4227 or online if you have any questions about child custody.